Do you have a patch of dirt on your property you want to play with?  Try a packet of wildflowers. Remember, they are  “natural” landscape plants that are sometimes viewed as pretty weeds.

The important thing is to have direct soil contact when planting.  You can dig out any weeds and tufts of grass, or just aerate and seed an area 4 or 5 times.  Roughing up a bare patch of ground is also effective.

Wildflower seeds are tiny.  It is best to mix the seeds with sand or organic fertilizer so you don’t get patches of thick wildflowers in one spot. A little bit of seed goes a long way.

Wait for the rains or water every few days if you have the time and nearby water source.

For quick and long lasting color this summer, you may want to try a perennial and annual seed blend.  We buy on-line from American Meadows in western Vermont.

Christie lives in Manakin Sabot , Virginia where she manages a 3 acre garden. Her blogs are written from her 35 years as a personal and professional gardener.